With 17 senators physically present inside the Session Hall and six senators attending through digital platforms, Senate President Vicente Sotto III led the opening of the 2nd regular session of the 18th Congress with a renewed commitment to fight the coronavirus.
Senators Imee Marcos, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Francis Pangilinan, Richard Gordon, Manny Pacquiao and Sen. Cynthia Villar opted to go virtual via teleconferencing.
“Always remember that the Senate is here for all Filipinos. The Senate is here for you,” Sotto said.
“As long as we share the burden of the COVID pandemic with other countries of the world, we must continue to work towards saving lives and easing our common anxiety. This truth is unavoidable,” he added.
Sotto expressed his willingness to lead the Senate to craft a holistic agenda in the 2nd Regular Session that will focus on these legislative concerns: digital landscape, distance learning, public transport system, encouraging new business and support for the arts.
He said the Senate has promptly responded to the needs of the nation.
“Still, the Senate is ready to do more,” assured the Senate leader.
In the previous regular session, he said the Senate worked for the approval of COVID-related legislations, which are now being implemented by various government agencies.
Through the Senate's oversight powers, Sotto guaranteed they will make sure the programs laid out in the law are followed to the letter, and that transparency in the handling of funds is observed.
"In this moment of crisis," Sotto pointed out, "our survival depends on how strong we fight this crisis together.
“We are thankful for the reported recoveries from the pandemic. We are saddened by the deaths of many. We are inspired by the heroism of our frontliners," he said.
However, Sotto exhorted everyone not to lose hope or turn frustration to destructive anger.
“Instead, let us keep our eyes always on the Lord because like what He constantly tells us in the book of the prophet Isaiah, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' Together we must fight the feeling of uncertainty that runs rife in every day,” said Sotto.
He said all Filipinos must pledge commitment to survive this crisis, not only individually with our families, but more importantly together as a nation.
"While there is no question that the COVID pandemic will leave all of us changed, in this cusp of transformation, we are all challenged to take part in building a new world," Sotto said.